Can we thrive without denial?

Today’s difficulties are signs of a ‘metacrisis’ in societies, as key systems begin to collapse. Awareness of that can change us, so we focus on what’s most important, as gratitude for the capacities, and time, we have left.

I’ve been doing that, and helping others do the same — by sharing analysis and advice, as well as convening people to mentor each other to live well, and usefully, in these turbulent times. On this site you will find resources to help with that.

“…the modern-day forefather of collapse understanding and awareness” in Grist Magazine, 2026.

I recommend using the search box to discover analysis on the many issues that arise once realising that modern life is falling apart. To benefit from a couple of essays in your inbox every month (from myself or guest experts), please subscribe.

Hundreds of readers have upgraded their subscription to participate in monthly online salons, a 6-month peer mentoring programme, and community chat. That’s within the Metacrisis Initiative, which helps us to thrive because of these times, not despite them. So if you don’t just want to cope with the mess, and live in a more meaningful way, perhaps with impact, take a look around.

A few of my latest essays follow below the Deep Adaptation framework for contemplating positive responses to societal disruption and collapse, whether in one’s life, organisation, community or country.

Before engaging further, you may want to know where I’m coming from ideologically and, perhaps, spiritually. I share on that in the ‘about‘ page, as well as ‘key ideas‘.

The 6 Rs of Deep Adaptation from Dr. Jem Bendell

It’s beginning to look like proper forests are natural aircon systems, and realising that could be a positive tipping point. Here’s how. 

In the face of rising climate crises, forests are often overlooked as vital climate infrastructure. Urban planners recognize the need for various utilities but have not been told how large forests can modulate climate by influencing cloud formation and rainfall. Current advocacy emphasizes economic and ecological benefits, but does not stress forests’ cooling effects, which…

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What We Grieve

This incantation by Dr Jem Bendelll explores the deep and multifaceted grief over the loss of past hopes and certainties regarding climate, community, and societal progress. It reflects on disillusionment with politics and technology. The text ultimately questions whether acknowledging this grief can liberate people to explore new understanding and collective action.

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Discussing Collapse – with friends and colleagues, for a purpose

Societal taboos, linked to power dynamics, prevent open dialogue about sensitive topics. One of those topics has been societal collapse. Understanding our intentions for discussing difficult subjects, including collapse, is emphasized as crucial. This issue is explored before explaining the way discussions are held within the peer mentoring of the Metacrisis Initiative.

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Here are some frameworks for helping each other amidst the mess

Billions of people are experiencing strange weather, rising prices, bad politics, and watching worse on the news. Sadly, there are a range of distracting responses similar to what I predicted in my first speech on the topic of collapse, back in November 2016. Despite that, there are many people seeking to integrate their awareness of…

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For audio, I recommend an interview with me on Novara Media. If you prefer to watch stuff, then there is relevant content on my YouTube channel…

With an hour to spare, I recommend a documentary about my work on positive responses to collapse.